calm

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns.” 

Psalm 46:1-5 ESV

The sovereignty of God is the foundation of our trust. 

The world offers an abundance of meditation apps, books, and products that serve to help us achieve inner calm— while there’s nothing inherently wrong with these things, Psalm 46 offers something unmatched.

God is our refuge and strength— the first strophe of this psalm teaches us that God’s protection transcends all earthly catastrophes. Regardless of what we encounter, whether a financial difficulty, relational difficulty, loss, or pain—God is our refuge, providing protection. And God is our strength, providing us with the power to overcome.

God is also ever-present. His help is always accessible and available.

In light of this, we need not fear. Though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, though we don’t have all the answers, though trials come and go— all of this is under the sovereign hand of God.

Beloved, what is troubling your heart today? The Lord who loves you says, be still, calm down, let go and know that I am in control.

God reigns. He says, I, not a different circumstance, but I am an ever-present help in trouble.

You don’t have to muster up self-confidence in order to make it through the day. As a child of God, you can confidently and courageously rely on His life-giving and nurturing spirit that flows through your veins.

Be not afraid, beloved. May you encounter His protective and peaceful presence today.

In Him,
Makenzi 

additional reading:

 Psalm 100:3 / Psalm 121 / Isaiah 37:20

reflect:

What does this text lead you to lay before the Father today? When you forget the truths of this passage, what obsessive feelings or idolatrous pursuits tend to come to the surface? What might God be showing you through this passage today?

centering prayer:

LORD, I trust Your authority and sovereign hand over my life. You are my Creator. You are in control. Amen.